Low-profile swing gate to support service element interface hardware

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for positioning service element interface devices is provided. A gate is affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge that rotates on a first axis. A tray is affixed to the gate. The tray has a first side and a second side that are opposite exterior surfaces of the tray. A first display and a first keyboard are affixed to the first side. A second display and a second keyboard are affixed to the second side. The first keyboard and the first display provide a first interface that is redundant with a second interface provided by the second keyboard and the second display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of racks forcomputing devices, and more particularly to a rack-mounted serviceelements.

A computing rack is a frame or enclosure for mounting multiple equipmentmodules. Formal standards define a variety of sizes of racks. Forexample, the International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”)promulgates standard IEC 60297, which specifies dimensions of mechanicalstructures for what are commonly referred to as 19-inch racks. Eachmodule for a 19-inch rack has dimensions that conform to the standard,such as a front panel that is 19 inches wide, including edges or earsthat protrude on each side which allow the module to be fastened to therack frame. The height of a module can be referred to in rack units,denoted by the unit “U” (or, alternatively, “RU”). For 19-inch racks, 1U equals 1.752 inches. An industry standard rack cabinet is 42 U tall.Rack-mounted computing systems include mainframes and other computingsystems or devices that are enclosed within or mounted to a rack.

A service element (an “SE”) is part of the hardware control system for amainframe. Some mainframes use laptop computers as SEs. The SE of amainframe is used primarily by a user, such as a customer engineer (a“CE”), to install, start, or service the mainframe.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus forpositioning service element interface hardware (“SE hardware”) isprovided. The apparatus comprises: a gate affixed to a computing rack bya gate hinge that rotates on a vertical axis; a tray affixed to thegate, the tray having a first side and a second side, wherein the firstside and the second side are opposite exterior surfaces of the tray; afirst display and a first keyboard affixed to the first side; and asecond display and a second keyboard affixed to the second side, whereinthe first keyboard and the first display provide a first interface thatis redundant with a second interface provided by the second keyboard andthe second display.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatusfor positioning service elements is provided. The apparatus comprises: agate affixed to a computing rack by a gate hinge, wherein the gate hingerotates on a vertical axis; a first tray affixed to the gate at a sideedge of the first tray; a second tray affixed to the first tray at abottom edge of the first tray by a hinge that rotates on a horizontalaxis; a first display and a first keyboard affixed to an outer surfaceof the first tray; and a second display and a second keyboard affixed toan outer surface of the second tray.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a low-profile service element gate, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a low-profile service element gate, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded isometric view of a low-profile serviceelement gate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a low-profile service element gate,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the low-profile service elementgate of FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a low-profile serviceelement (“SE”) gate. Further, embodiments provide a swing to remotelyintegrate at least one interface device, which is a piece of interfacehardware associated with an SE, such as a keyboard or a display. In oneembodiment, the SE gate positions at least one interface device. Forexample, the SE gate positions a first display and keyboard on a firstside and a second display and keyboard on a second side. In oneembodiment, the SE gate is affixed to a computer rack by a hinge.Embodiments provide for reduced weight and airflow impedance whilepositioning interface devices for one or more SEs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the Figures, in which similar elements are depictedwith like reference numbers.

FIG. 1 is an axonometric view of a low-profile service element gate inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

SE gate 100 includes tray 102, which is affixed to frame 101 by primaryhinge 144. In one embodiment, frame 101 is a portion of a computingrack. The size of the computing rack may comply with an industrystandard (e.g., a 19-inch rack) or may be non-standard (e.g., a custom24-inch rack). Primary hinge 144 allows rotation of tray 102 at axis146, which is parallel to where primary hinge 144 is affixed to frame101. In one embodiment, the terms vertical and horizontal generallyrefer to directions perpendicular to one another. For example, when thecomputing rack is oriented for normal operation, vertical refers to adirection parallel to the force of gravity and horizontal refers to adirection perpendicular with the force of gravity.

Tray 102 is affixed to primary hinge 144 by secondary hinge 142. Tray102 is affixed to secondary hinge 142 by hinge pins 110. Secondary hinge142 allows rotation of tray 102 at an axis substantially parallel toaxis 146. In the depicted embodiment, tray 102 includes a set ofapertures 112. The set of apertures 112 reduce the material of tray 102,thereby providing weight reduction and less impedance to airflow. Asdepicted, primary hinge 144 and backboard 106 include apertures thatprovide weight and airflow impedance reduction in a manner similar tothat of apertures 112. In one embodiment, such apertures are numberedand positioned to reduce weight without compromising structuralintegrity.

Backboard 106 is affixed to tray 102 at pin 116 and rotation point 118.Backboard 106 can rotate along axis 148, which is an axis that runs frompin 116 to rotation point 118. Axis 148 is substantially parallel toaxis 146. Pin 116 is affixed to tray 102 by plate 114. In the depictedembodiment, plate 114 is affixed to a front surface of tray 102 and isshaped such that position pin 116 is positioned away from tray 102,thereby enabling flange 104 to interact with a front surface of tray 102in a first position (as depicted in FIG. 1) and a second position, inwhich backboard 106 is rotated approximately one-hundred eighty degreesabout axis 148.

Tray 102 includes edges defining an opening through which portions ofbackboard 106 passes when backboard 106 rotates around center axis 148,thereby allowing rotation of backboard 106. In the depicted embodiment,the opening defined by the edges of tray 102 have a width and length atleast as large as a width and length of backboard 106. Flange 104protrudes from backboard 106. In the depicted embodiment, flange 104contacts a front surface of tray 102, thereby hindering further rotationof backboard 106 beyond a preconfigured point. As depicted, flange 104hinders rotation of backboard 106 beyond a one-hundred eighty degreerange of rotation. Retaining pin 108 has an engaged position and adisengaged position. In the engaged position, retaining pin 108 engagesreceiver 107 of backboard 106, in which case retaining pin 108 functionsto hinder the rotation of backboard 106. In the disengaged position,retaining pin 108 does not engage receiver 107. For example, retainingpin 108 does not engage receiver 107 if backboard 106 is rotated suchthat retaining pin 108 does not align with receiver 107. In anotherexample, retaining pin 108 does not engage receiver 107 if retaining pin108 is moved sufficiently far in a direction away from receiver 107,such as when a user disengages retaining pin 108 in order to rotatebackboard 106.

Display 124 a and keyboard 134 a are affixed to a surface of backboard106. Display 124 a and keyboard 134 a are interface devices that allow auser to interact with an SE. For example, display 124 a and keyboard 134a allow the user to install, start, or service a computing device (e.g.,a mainframe) by interacting with an SE that is in communication with themainframe.

Display 124 a is affixed to backboard 106 by SE hinge 122 a. Keyboard134 a is affixed to backboard 106 by SE hinge 132 a. In variousembodiments, SE hinge 122 a is a friction hinge, detent hinge, or othertype of hinge that holds a position within a range of motion. In variousembodiments, SE hinge 132 a is a friction hinge, detent hinge, othertype of hinge that holds a position within a range of motion, or anyother type of hinge that allows rotation along an axis parallel to anedge of keyboard 134 a. The angle of rotation of each of SE hinge 122 aand SE hinge 132 a is adjustable. For example, a user adjusts the angleof display 124 a and keyboard 134 a to improve the ergonomics ofaccessing display 124 a and keyboard 134 a. SE hinge 122 a and SE hinge132 a allow display 124 a and keyboard 134 a to move between a stowedposition and a deployed position. In the stowed position, display 124 a(or keyboard 134 a) is substantially parallel to backboard 106. In thedeployed position, the angle between display 124 a (or keyboard 134 a)and backboard 106 is increased. In FIG. 1, display 124 a is depicted inthe stowed position and keyboard 134 a is depicted in the deployedposition.

Locking mechanism 136 a is movable between an engaged position and adisengaged position. When in the engaged position, locking mechanism 136a hinders rotation of SE hinge 132 a. For example, a user moves lockingmechanism 136 a to an engaged position while keyboard 134 a is in adeployed position. In this case, locking mechanism 136 a hinders changesin the angle of rotation of SE hinge 132 a, thereby hindering themovement of keyboard 134 a from the deployed position. If lockingmechanism 136 a is left in the unengaged position, the force of typingon keyboard 134 a may cause a change in the angle of rotation of SEhinge 132 a toward the stowed position.

In one embodiment, each of primary hinge 144 and secondary hinge 142allow rotation along axes. The axis of rotation of primary hinge 144 isparallel to the axis of rotation of secondary hinge 142. For example,each of primary hinge 144 and secondary hinge 142 allow rotation of upto ninety degrees, for a total of one-hundred eighty degrees. In someembodiments, SE gate 100 is implemented in a mainframe environmenthaving two adjacent computing racks, often referred to as a Z Frame andan A Frame. In this embodiment, tray 102 can rotate to various angles.For example, tray 102 can rotate from a position in front of the ZFrame, through a position perpendicular with the Z Frame and A Frame, toa position in front of the A Frame.

FIG. 2 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts tray 102 affixed to a computing rack by primary hinge144.

Relative to the view depicted in FIG. 1, backboard 106 has been rotatedin this figure. As depicted in FIG. 2, flange 104 is not hinderingfurther rotation of backboard 106, as it is not in contact with tray102. Retaining pin 108 is depicted in the disengaged position. Asdepicted in FIG. 2, backboard 106 is rotated such that retaining pin 108does not align with receiver 107 (see FIG. 1). Further, tray 102 isrotated to a position perpendicular to frame 101 (see FIG. 1).

Display 124 b and keyboard 134 b are affixed to a surface of backboard106 that is opposite the surface to which display 124 a (see FIG. 1) andkeyboard 134 a (see FIG. 1) are affixed. Display 124 b and keyboard 134b are interface devices that allow a user to interact with an SE. Forexample, display 124 b and keyboard 134 b allow the user to install,start, or service a computing device (e.g., a mainframe) by interactingwith an SE that is in communication with the mainframe.

Display 124 b is affixed to backboard 106 by SE hinge 122 b. Keyboard134 b is affixed to backboard 106 by SE hinge 132 b. In variousembodiments, SE hinge 122 b is a friction hinge, detent hinge, or othertype of hinge that holds a position within a range of motion. In variousembodiments, SE hinge 132 b is a friction hinge, detent hinge, othertype of hinge that holds a position within a range of motion, or anyother type of hinge that allows rotation along an axis parallel to anedge of keyboard 134 b. The angle of rotation of each of SE hinge 122 band SE hinge 132 b is adjustable. For example, a user adjusts the angleof display 124 b and keyboard 134 b to improve the ergonomics ofaccessing display 124 b and keyboard 134 b. SE hinge 122 b and SE hinge132 b allow display 124 b and keyboard 134 b to move between a stowedposition and a deployed position. In the stowed position, display 124 b(or keyboard 134 b) is substantially parallel to backboard 106. In thedeployed position, the angle between display 124 b (or keyboard 134 b)and backboard 106 is increased. In FIG. 2, display 124 b is depicted inthe stowed position and keyboard 134 b is depicted in the stowedposition.

Locking mechanism 136 b is movable between an engaged position and adisengaged position. When in the engaged position, locking mechanism 136b hinders rotation of SE hinge 132 b. For example, a user moves lockingmechanism 136 b to an engaged position while keyboard 134 b is in adeployed position. In this case, locking mechanism 136 b hinders changesin the angle of rotation of SE hinge 132 b, thereby hindering themovement of keyboard 134 b from the deployed position. If lockingmechanism 136 b is left in the unengaged position, the force of typingon keyboard 134 b may cause a change in the angle of rotation of SEhinge 132 b toward the stowed position.

In one embodiment, display 124 b and keyboard 134 b provide an interfaceto the same SE as do display 124 a and keyboard 134 a. In anotherembodiment, display 124 b and keyboard 134 b provide an interface to adifferent SE as do display 124 a and keyboard 134 a. In yet anotherembodiment, display 124 b and keyboard 134 b provide an interface to afirst set of SEs and display 124 a and keyboard 134 a provide aninterface to a second set of SEs. In various examples, none, some, orall of the SEs of the first set belong to the second set. Redundantinterface devices are those that allow interaction with the same SE.Redundant interface devices may provide interfaces concurrently orexclusively. For example, display 124 a and keyboard 134 a provide aninterface to an SE concurrently with display 124 b and keyboard 134 bproviding an interface to the SE. In this example, two users caninteract with the same SE concurrently utilizing the redundant interfaceelements. In another example, display 124 a and keyboard 134 a providean interface to an SE exclusive of display 124 b and keyboard 134 bproviding an interface to the SE. In this example, two users caninteract with the same SE, but exclusively of one another (i.e., one ata time).

Various computing components can be mounted to frame 101. In this case,computing components are mounted to frame 101 behind tray 102. That is,tray 102 is disposed between the mounted components and display 124 a(when tray 102 and backboard 106 are rotated as depicted in, forexample, FIG. 1). In one embodiment, a door (not shown) is mounted toframe 101. In this embodiment, SE gate 100 is configured to allow thedoor to close without interference from the components of SE gate 100.For example, the door, when closed, leaves a clearance depth between thedoor and any mounted computing components. In this example, theclearance depth is greater than the greatest combined depth of thecomponents of SE gate 100 (e.g., tray 102, display 124 a, and display124 b). Further, the components of SE gate 100 are positioned (by, forexample, primary hinge 144) within the clearance depth of the door at aposition that avoids interference with the door by the components of SEgate 100.

FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of a low-profile service element gate,generally designated SE gate 200, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the low-profileservice element gate of FIG. 3, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depicts SE gate 200 from differentangles.

In the depicted embodiment, primary hinge 244 is substantially similarto primary hinge 144, secondary hinge 242 is substantially similar tosecondary hinge 142, hinge pins 210 are substantially similar to hingepins 110, SE hinge 222 a is substantially similar to SE hinge 122 a,display 224 a is substantially similar to display 124 a, display 224 b(see FIG. 4) is substantially similar to display 124 b, SE hinge 232 ais substantially similar to SE hinge 132 a, keyboard 234 a issubstantially similar to keyboard 134 a, and keyboard 234 a issubstantially similar to keyboard 234 b.

Tray 206 includes edges 208, which define regions of tray 206 withmaterial removed for weight savings and reduced airflow impedance. Inthe depicted configuration of such regions, a back surface of keyboard234 b is visible. However, other configurations of such regions arepossible. Tray 206 is affixed to primary hinge 244 by secondary hinge242. Tray 206 can rotate along of vertical axis of primary hinge 244.Tray 206 can also rotate along a vertical axis of second hinge 242. Thisdouble-hinge approach allows access to interface devices mounted to theSE gate at various degrees of rotation. For example, keyboard 234 a anddisplay 224 a are accessible while SE gate 200 is rotated zero degrees,such as when SE gate 200 is positioned in front of a Z frame of acomputing rack. Alternatively, keyboard 234 b and display 224 b areaccessible while SE gate 200 is rotated one-hundred eighty degrees, suchas when SE gate 200 is positioned in front of an A frame of a computingrack. Further, the interface devices on each side of tray 206 (i.e.,keyboard 234 a, display 224 a, keyboard 234 b, and display 224 b) aresimultaneously accessible when SE gate 200 is rotated ninety degrees,such as when SE gate 200 is positioned orthogonally to the computingrack.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of a low-profile service elementgate, generally designated SE gate 300, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

SE gate 300 includes hardware that improves the resilience of frame 301to events such as shocks or seismic events (e.g., earthquakes). In oneembodiment, this additional hardware increases the rigidity of frame301.

SE gate 300 includes tray 302, which is substantially similar to tray102. Primary hinge 344 is substantially similar to primary hinge 144.Brace 308 affixes to frame 301 at earthquake hinge brackets 304. Brace308 can rotate along a vertical axis that runs between earthquake hingebrackets 304. In one embodiment, the vertical axis runs along an edge offrame 301. Tray 302 is affixed to secondary hinge 342 by hinge pins 310.Secondary hinge 342 is substantially similar to secondary hinge 142.Hinge pins 310 are substantially similar to hinge pins 110. Secondaryhinge 342 affixes tray 302 to primary hinge 344. Tray 302 can rotatealong a vertical axis of primary hinge 344. Tray 302 can also rotatealong a vertical axis of secondary hinge 342. Latch bracket 316, whenengaged, positions tray 302 relative to frame 301. Latch bracket 316engages by affixing to frame bracket 314, which is affixed to frame 301.In one embodiment, latch bracket 316, when engaged, indirectly affixestray 302 to frame 301 by way of frame bracket 314. In this embodiment,tray 302 affixes to frame 301 by way of latch bracket 316 together withframe bracket 314 and also by way of secondary hinge 342 together withprimary hinge 344.

Display 324 a is affixed to tray 302. Display 324 a is substantiallysimilar to display 124 a. Keyboard 334 a is affixed to tray 302.Keyboard 334 a is substantially similar to keyboard 134 a.

In one embodiment, tray 302 is affixed to brace 308. For example, tray302 is affixed to brace 308 toward to a top edge of tray 302, which isan edge of tray 302 proximate display 324 a. In this embodiment,mechanical stress is translated across sides of frame 301 through brace308, tray 302, and latch bracket 316.

FIG. 6 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the depicted embodiment, tray 302 is rotated to be approximatelyperpendicular to the front of frame 301. In this position, a first setof interface devices (i.e., keyboard 334 a and display 324 a) and asecond set of interface devices (i.e., keyboard 334 b and display 324 b)are positioned for concurrently availability. In an example, a firstuser interacts with keyboard 334 a and display 324 a while a second userinteracts with keyboard 334 b and display 324 b.

Brace 308 is positioned in front of frame 301, perpendicular to tray302, such that brace 308 does not interfere with access to display 324 band keyboard 334 b. In FIG. 6, keyboard 334 b and display 324 b aredepicted in a stowed position and keyboard 334 a is depicted in adeployed position.

FIG. 7 is an axonometric view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the depicted embodiment, tray 302 is rotated to be approximatelyperpendicular to the front of frame 301. In this position, a first setof interface devices (i.e., keyboard 334 a and display 324 a) and asecond set of interface devices (i.e., keyboard 334 b and display 324 b)are positioned for concurrently availability. In an example, a firstuser interacts with keyboard 334 a and display 324 a while a second userinteracts with keyboard 334 b and display 324 b.

Brace 308 is rotated to be approximately perpendicular to the front offrame 301. In the position, brace 308 does not interfere with access tokeyboard 334 b. In some configurations, brace 308 interferes with accessto display 324 b when positioned parallel to tray 302, such as byreducing the rotational freedom of a hinge by which display 324 b isaffixed to tray 302. However, in other possible configurations, brace308 reduces access to neither, one, or both of display 324 b andkeyboard 334 b. In FIG. 7, keyboard 334 a, display 324 a, and display324 b are depicted in a stowed position and keyboard 334 b is depictedin a deployed position.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the depicted embodiment, tray 302 and brace 308 are positioned infront of frame 301 (see FIG. 5). SE gate 300 is positioned at leastpartially within a space defined by frame 301. Attachment point 354includes a latch that engages with an end of tray 302 that is distalfrom secondary hinge 342 to hinder movement of tray 302 by rotation ofsecondary hinge 342. For example, attachment point 354 helps preventrotation of gate 300 during shipping.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the low-profile service element gate ofFIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In the depicted embodiment, tray 302 and brace 308 are positioned asdepicted in FIG. 7. However, in FIG. 9, keyboard 334 a is in a deployedposition and keyboard 334 b is in a stowed position.

Various computing components can be mounted to frame 301. In this case,computing components are mounted to frame 301 behind brace 312. That is,brace 312 is disposed between the mounted components and tray 302 (whenbrace 312 is rotated as depicted in, for example, FIG. 8). In oneembodiment, a door (not shown) is mounted to frame 301. In thisembodiment, SE gate 300 is configured to allow the door to close withoutinterference from the components of SE gate 300. For example, the door,when closed, leaves a clearance depth between the door and any mountedcomputing components. In this example, the clearance depth is greaterthan the greatest combined depth of the components of SE gate 300 (e.g.,brace 312, tray 302, display 324 a, and display 324 b). Further, thecomponents of SE gate 300 are positioned (by, for example, primary hinge344) within the clearance depth of the door at a position that avoidsinterference with the door by the components of SE gate 300.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of a low-profile service element gate,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

SE gate 400 includes first tray 406 a, which is affixed to frame 401 aby primary hinge 444. Frame 401 a and frame 401 b are frames of a pairof computing racks. It should be readily apparent that FIG. 10 depictsonly portions of the computing racks.

In some embodiments, first tray 406 a is affixed to frame 401 a by asecondary hinge (not shown) that is affixed to primary hinge 444. Inthis embodiment, the secondary hinge is analogous to secondary hinge 142and primary hinge 444 is analogous to primary hinge 144. In particular,in this embodiment, the secondary hinge and primary hinge 444 togetherallow first tray 406 a to rotate one hundred eighty degrees from thedepicted position to a position in front of frame 401 b.

First tray 406 a is affixed to primary hinge 444 at a side edge of firsttray 406 a that is most proximate to primary hinge 444. Display 424 aand keyboard 434 a are affixed to front surface 408 of first tray 406 a.Keyboard 434 a is affixed to front surface 408 of first tray 406 a byhinge 432 a, which rotates on a horizontal axis and positions keyboard434 a at various angles relative to front surface 408 of first tray 406a. In various embodiments, display 424 a and display 424 b (see FIG. 11)are analogous to one or both of display 124 a and display 124 b. Invarious embodiments, keyboard 434 a and keyboard 434 b (see FIG. 11) areanalogous to one or both of keyboard 134 a and keyboard 134 b.

First tray 406 a and second tray 406 b are affixed to one another byhinge 446. Hinge 446 rotates on a horizontal axis.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the low-profile service elementgate of FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Display 424 a and keyboard 434 a provide an interface to a serviceelement. Display 424 b (see FIG. 11) and keyboard 434 b (see FIG. 11)provide an interface to a service element. In one embodiment, theinterface provided by display 424 a and keyboard 434 a is redundant withthe interface provided by display 424 b and keyboard 434 b. For example,each interface is an interface to one or more service elements. In oneembodiment, the service element is a computing device. For example, theservice element is a computing device that is mounted in a computingrack (e.g., one of frame 401 a and frame 401 b) that manages othercomputing devices mounted in the computing rack (e.g., one of frame 401a and frame 401 b).

Second tray 406 b has a first position and a second position. FIG. 11depicts second tray 406 b in the first position. In the first position,back surface 410 (see FIG. 10) of second tray 406 b is positionedadjacent to back surface 436 (see FIG. 10) keyboard 434 a. When secondtray 406 b is in the first position, as depicted in FIG. 10, FIG. 10depicts second tray 406 b in the second position. In the secondposition, second tray 406 b is rotated on hinge 446 such that backsurface 410 of second tray 406 b is rotated away from back surface 436of keyboard 434 a. Rotating second tray 406 b from the second positionto the first position requires first rotating keyboard 434 a such thatkeyboard 434 a is parallel with front surface 408 of first tray 406 a.

While second tray 406 b is in the first position, as depicted in FIG.11, display 424 b and keyboard 434 b are accessible by a user; however,display 424 a and keyboard 434 a are obscured by second tray 406 b.While second tray 406 b is in the second position, as depicted in FIG.10, display 424 a and keyboard 434 a are accessible by a user; howeverdisplay 424 b and keyboard 434 b are oriented upside-down (i.e., rotatedalong a horizontal axis approximately one hundred eighty degrees). Whensecond tray 406 b is in the second position, front surface 408 of firsttray 406 a and back surface 410 of second tray 406 b face substantiallythe same direction (e.g., within approximately ten degrees of the samedirection).

Various computing components can be mounted to one or both of frame 401.In this case, computing components are mounted to frame 401 behind firsttray 406 a. That is, first tray 406 a is disposed between the mountedcomponents and keyboard 434 a. In one embodiment, the computingcomponents include one or more service elements. For example, display424 a and keyboard 434 a provide an interface with a first serviceelement and display 424 b and keyboard 434 b provide an interface with asecond service element.

In one embodiment, a door (not shown) is mounted to frame 401. In thisembodiment, SE gate 400 is configured to allow the door to close withoutinterference from the components of SE gate 400. For example, the door,when closed, leaves a clearance depth between the door and any mountedcomputing components. In this example, the clearance depth is greaterthan the combined depth of first tray 406 a, display 424 a, and keyboard434 a and the clearance depth is also greater than the combined depth ofsecond tray 406 b, display 424 b, and keyboard 434 b. Further, primaryhinge 444 positions first tray 406 a relative to frame 401 at a positionthat avoids interference with the door by the components of SE gate 400(e.g., first tray 406 a, display 424 a, keyboard 434 a, second tray 406b, display 424 b, and keyboard 434 b).

Unless stated otherwise, each hinge rotates on an axis suggested by themanner suggested by the orientation and configuration as depicted inFIGS. 1-11.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for positioning service elements,the apparatus comprising: a gate affixed to a computing rack by a gatehinge enabling rotation of the gate relative to the computing rack alonga first axis; a tray affixed to the gate, the tray having a first sideand a second side, wherein the first side and the second side areopposite exterior surfaces of the tray; a first display and a firstkeyboard affixed to the first side; and a second display and a secondkeyboard affixed to the second side, wherein the first keyboard and thefirst display provide a first interface, and wherein the second keyboardand the second display provide a second interface.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first keyboard is affixed to the first side by afirst keyboard hinge at a top edge of the first keyboard, wherein thesecond keyboard is affixed to the second side by a second keyboard hingeat a top edge of the second keyboard, and wherein the first keyboard ispositioned opposite the second keyboard.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first display is affixed to the first side by a firstdisplay hinge proximate to a top edge of the first display, wherein thesecond display is affixed to the second side by a second display hingeproximate to a top edge of the second display, and wherein the firstdisplay is positioned opposite the second display.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the first display hinge is a first friction hinge thatrotates on a second axis and the second display hinge is a secondfriction hinge that rotates on a third axis that is substantiallyparallel to the second axis.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein thefirst friction hinge positions the first display at an angle relative tothe first side, and wherein the second friction hinge positions thesecond display at an angle relative to the second side.
 6. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the hinge of the first keyboard rotates on a secondaxis and positions the first keyboard relative to the first side, andwherein the hinge of the second keyboard rotates on a third axis andpositions the second keyboard relative to the second side.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein a first locking device selectivelyinterferes with the rotation of the first keyboard hinge, and wherein asecond locking device selectively interferes with the rotation of thesecond keyboard hinge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray isaffixed to the gate by a hinge that rotates around a center axis that isparallel to the first axis from a middle point of a top edge of the trayto a middle point of a bottom edge of the tray.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, further comprising a retaining pin having an engaged positionand a disengaged position, wherein the retaining pin interferes with therotation of the tray around the center axis when in the engagedposition, and wherein the retaining pin does not interfere with therotation of the tray around the center axis when in the disengagedposition.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gate hinge comprisesa primary hinge and a secondary hinge, and wherein the gate hinge allows180 degrees of rotation on the first axis, and wherein the first axis isparallel to an edge of the computing rack to which the gate hinge isaffixed.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first interface andthe second interface are redundant, and each of the first and secondinterfaces is an interface to each of at least one computing devicemounted within the computing rack.
 12. An apparatus for positioningservice elements, the apparatus comprising: a gate affixed to acomputing rack by a gate hinge, wherein the gate hinge rotates on afirst axis; a first tray affixed to the gate at a side edge of the firsttray; a second tray affixed to the first tray at a bottom edge of thefirst tray by a hinge that rotates on a second axis that isperpendicular to the first axis; a first display and a first keyboardaffixed to an outer surface of the first tray; and a second display anda second keyboard affixed to an outer surface of the second tray. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first keyboard is affixed to theouter surface of the first tray by a hinge that rotates on a third axisthat is perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the first keyboardhas a stowed position that positions the first keyboard in parallel withthe outer surface of the first tray and a deployed position thatpositions the first keyboard perpendicularly to the outer surface of thefirst tray.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second keyboardis affixed to the outer surface of the second tray by a hinge thatrotates on a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, andwherein the second keyboard has a stowed position that positions thesecond keyboard in parallel with the outer surface of the second trayand a deployed position that positions the second keyboardperpendicularly to the outer surface of the second tray.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the second tray has a first position inwhich a back surface of the second tray is positioned adjacent to a backsurface of the first keyboard, and a second position in which the secondtray is rotated 180 degrees from the first position.
 16. The apparatusof claim 15, wherein the hinge by which the second tray is affixed tothe first tray allows rotation of the second tray between the firstposition and the second position.